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Belgium wants Hazard to shine against Algeria

Published on NewsOK
Modified: June 16, 2014 at 1:34 pm •
Published: June 16, 2014

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Belgium’s Thomas Vermaelen, from left to right, Toby Alderweireld, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Nicolas Lombaerts, run during a training session at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. Belgium will play in group H of the Brazil 2014 soccer World Cup. (AP Photo/Bruno Magalhaes)

The players have shown a fiery spirit, going so aggressively at one another during training last weekend that both winger Kevin De Bruyne and forward Divock Origi had to be treated for ankle injuries.

On the eve of Belgium's opening match, both were able to train without any problems.

Competition for places is the team is high due to the number of Premier League and Spanish La Liga players are all trying to get on the starting lineup.

"The players are hungry, it is our strength," Wilmots said, ruling out any prospect of playing conservatively or settling for draws. "We will always be going for the win."

With such a spirit, Hazard could be key.

The 23-year-old Belgian could be yet prove to be another creative player to build a winning combination around, much like Lionel Messi did with a mediocre Argentina and Andrea Pirlo with Italy.

"He has the potential, he has the team. Now it is up to him to show it," Wilmots said.